Emphysematous pyelonephritis: clues to rapid diagnosis in the Emergency Department

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is an acute life-threatening bacterial infection. EPN leads to rapid necrotizing destruction of the renal parenchyma and peri-renal tissue, requiring early and aggressive care to reduce morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have described the use of computed tomography scan and radiology-performed ultrasound to make the diagnosis of EPN We report a case of EPN diagnosed by bedside Emergency Department (ED) ultrasound performed by emergency physicians, allowing a more rapid diagnosis and subsequent treatment.